Texans rookie running back D’Onta Foreman was arrested early this morning and charged with marijuana possession of two ounces or less and unlawful carrying of a weapon, per Brian Davis of the Austin American-Statesman. The weapon in question was a firearm.
Foreman’s lawyer, Chip Lewis, released a statement (Twitter link, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com) that indicates the handgun was purchased legally and registered in Foreman’s name, and Lewis notes the running back alerted police he had a gun in his vehicle before police searched it. The statement also says Foreman did not “use or possess” the marijuana found.
Needless to say, this is a disappointing start to Foreman’s career. Houston selected Foreman, a Texas product, in the third round (No. 89 overall) of this year’s draft, and they signed him to his rookie contract just two days after minicamp ended last month. During his final season with the Longhorns (his only season as a starter), Foreman put on a show, rushing for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was the eighth running back selected in the draft.
Foreman is expected to compete with Alfred Blue and 2016 fourth-round pick Tyler Ervin for carries behind starter Lamar Miller. Foreman’s upside and draft status, though, suggest that he could carve out a significant role sooner rather than later.
But his arrest could delay the start of his professional career, as the league could suspend Foreman even if the criminal charges are favorably resolved. As Davis writes, the arresting agency was the University of Texas police department, which released the following statement:
“[Officers] responded to a report of the smell of marijuana coming from three occupied vehicles near the southwest side of San Jacinto residence hall on campus. Officers arrived on the scene discovered marijuana in each vehicle and also discovered a firearm in one of them. The owner of the firearm, D’Onta Foreman, was arrested for Unlawful Carrying of Weapons and Possession of Marijuana and booked into Travis County Jail. Six other male suspects were cited and released for Possession of Marijuana.”
Foreman was released on bond around noon today. The Texans, meanwhile, issued a statement of their own indicating that they are aware of the situation, are gathering information, and will have no further comment at this time (Twitter link via Mark Berman of Fox 26).
Don’t these millionaires have homes to smoke in?
All these rookies gettin real head start on the criminal part of being an NFL player….dedication.
Wasted pick and everyone knew but idiot Rick Smith
Release him
Seems like the weapon thing shouldn’t be an issue at all if it was legally purchased and he told the officers about it before they searched the car… And if he “did not use or possess” the marijuana found then this really sounds like it shouldn’t be a big problem, give him a slap on the wrist for putting himself in a dumb situation and at most a one game suspension. Dude balls out on the field, if they let him play he’ll be starting over Miller by season’s end.
Maybe…a 1 time simple dumb mistake….on other hand u just had a lifelong dream come true, a winning lottery ticket in ur hand, n ur weeks removed from rookie symposium were all they did was pound u w/examples of foolishness n stoopidty that can destroy u in an instant….it’s NFL everybodies good, gotta be smart n lucky to have substantial career…